In a groundbreaking outcome, two Igbo candidates, Austin Nwachukwu and Okoro Uzoma Anthony, emerged victorious in the recently concluded local government elections in Plateau State, marking a significant political feat in northern Nigeria.

The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) on Monday presented certificates of return to 304 councillors-elect, including Nwachukwu and Uzoma, in a formal ceremony held at the commission’s headquarters in Jos, the state capital.

Nwachukwu, a native of Abia State, clinched the councillorship seat for Tafawa Bela Ward in Jos North Local Government Area, while Okoro, hailing from Imo State, was elected to represent Vanderpuye Ward in the same LGA.

Both candidates contested under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), showcasing the growing inclusivity of Plateau State’s political landscape.

PLASIEC Chairman, Plangji Cishak, congratulated the newly elected councillors, commending them for their perseverance and success in the keenly contested elections held on Wednesday.

He also urged them to serve their communities with dedication, emphasizing that their victory reflects the will of the people.

However, the election process remains incomplete in some areas, as polls in 21 wards were declared inconclusive.

Cishak announced that re-run elections would be held in the affected wards on Saturday, October 19, to ensure that all constituencies are adequately represented.

The emergence of Nwachukwu and Uzoma as councillors signals the increasing participation of non-indigenes in local governance, underlining the diverse and inclusive political environment in Plateau State.

Their success is seen as a testament to the unifying power of democracy, fostering hope for greater representation and integration across Nigeria’s diverse regions.